by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Kings Kings have signed 7-foot-5, 360-pound center Sim Bhullar to a contract. Per team policy, the details of the contract were not made public.

Bhullar, who was born in Toronto, Ontario, is the first player of Indian descent to sign a NBA contract. Bhullar played for the Kings summer league team that won the championship in Las Vegas.

Sim Bhullar played two seasons at New Mexico State University. He averaged 10.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 2.9 blocks and 25.3 minutes per game for the Aggies. Bhullar was a two-time Western Athletic Conference Tournament MVP.

“I’ve long believed that India is the next great frontier for the NBA, and adding a talented player like Sim only underscores the exponential growth basketball has experienced in that nation,” said Kings Owner Vivek Ranadivé. “While Sim is the first player of Indian descent to sign with an NBA franchise, he represents one of many that will emerge from that region as the game continues to garner more attention and generate ever-increasing passion among a new generation of Indian fans.”    

The Kings have been working with the NBA to promote basketball in India. The game is now India’s fastest growing sport. The Kings televised 20 games in the country last season. The team has established a website in Hindi and has sent players as well as the dance team to India.